The London Restaurant Festival is back this autumn, serving unique dining experiences from the 1st to the 31st of October. Book exclusive LRF set menus on OpenTable and enjoy curated meals devised by some of the city’s best chefs. Featuring seasonal, local produce, the festival celebrates the best of London with unique dining experiences scattered around the city.
Visit Charing Cross for an elegant afternoon tea with dim sum and delicate cakes. In Kensington, a theatre menu pairs perfectly with a unique wine list. Enjoy MICHELIN-starred French cooking in Spitalfields or head to Marylebone for church garden views. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail at a relaxed restaurant in Angel, or a Tokyo-inspired set lunch in Mayfair. A vegan restaurant with outposts all over the city has created a plant-based tasting menu and a Soho hotspot will be serving a seasonal set menu with prosecco. Chelsea boasts one of the city’s best Indian restaurants while Westminster is home to a local favourite serving classic British dishes. Head up to a new rooftop restaurant in Covent Garden, or enjoy under-the-sea vibes in trendy Shoreditch. Wherever you go, the best London Restaurant Festival experiences are sure to be memorable.
Don’t miss out – book the best London Restaurant Festival menus and offers on OpenTable today.
Keep reading to discover the best London Restaurant Festival restaurants to visit right now
For an elegant afternoon tea – head to Gouqi London in Charing Cross – Central
Enjoy award-winning Chinese cuisine at Gouqi London, one of the best fine dining restaurants in London. Premium produce enhances each dish and drink, from the signature legendary Peking duck to the sparkling Jasmine tea. For the London Restaurant Festival, Gouqi is offering the Gouqi Dragon Afternoon Tea. Relax in the dimly lit, modern dining space and wait for the tiered, bird-cage-like trays carrying unique afternoon tea treats. It features dim sum quartet, crispy Iberico pork belly, chargrilled octopus with sweet soy and much more. For dessert, juicy lychee and earthy coffee and cinnamon flavours round out the afternoon. It’s all served alongside pots of Premium Jasmine Dragon Pearls tea.
For one of the best London Restaurant Festival hotspots – visit Launceston Place in Kensington – West London
One of Kensington’s best hidden gems, Launceston Place boasts three AA Rosettes and a cellar that’s seen it win Best Wine List at the Tatler Restaurant Awards. White-clothed tables and floral touches create an elegant, relaxed atmosphere with welcoming staff that make you feel right at home. For this season’s LRF, book the Theatre Menu featuring three courses of seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients and a complimentary glass of bubbles. Think flaky cod served with thyme and crispy nori, tender pork jowl with quince and a creamy banoffee dessert.
For MICHELIN-starred dining – check out Galvin in Spitalfields – City and East
The Galvin brothers – Chris and Jeff – are the chef patrons of Galvin La Chapelle and neighbouring Galvin Bistro and Bar. Bringing their love of French cooking to the heart of London, the Galvin restaurants feature sleek, glamorous interiors, seasonal ingredients and showstopping dishes. Galvin La Chapelle offers a French fine-dining experience focused on bold flavours, balanced textures and sustainable cooking. Think Dorset crab raviolo with Baerii caviar and pine smoked pigeon with plum chutney. Galvin Bistro and Bar features a more tightly curated menu of bistro favourites. Try short rib croquettes or tender flat iron steak with fries and peppercorn sauce. Book the London Restaurant Festival – Set Lunch Menu at La Chapelle on OpenTable and enjoy a relaxed afternoon curated by head chef Arturo Granato.
For one of the best restaurants in London – head to Orrery in Marylebone
Dine by arched windows inside or under hanging flowers outside at Orrery in Marylebone. Elegantly plated French dishes perfectly complement the views of the Marylebone Church Gardens. During the London Restaurant Festival, Orrery will be serving a 2 or 3-course set Menu. You might enjoy some hand-picked Dorset crab with mango and wasabi avocado or a tender beef medallion with pomme purée. Or, perhaps some cured beef with harissa and a creamy wild mushroom risotto. Orrery’s desserts include refreshing citrus jelly with pineapple and coconut and plates of farmhouse cheeses.
For one of the best London Restaurant Festival menus – book at Frederick’s in Angel
Bright and airy, Frederick’s in Angel has a greenhouse-style atmosphere that’s perfect for sunny days. Family-run since it opened in 1969, this Islington local favourite serves modern European food in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. During the London Restaurant Festival, diners enjoying lunch from Tuesday to Friday will receive a complimentary Aperol spritz when they order at least two courses from the à la carte menu. Try smoked salmon with avocado tartare or smooth chicken liver parfait with toasted brioche and Madeira jelly for a starter. For your main, consider seafood favourites like the roast fillet of sea bass with potato gnocchi or a tender chateaubriand with your choice of sides. Finish off with pear sorbet or some fluffy cinnamon beignets with praline cream.
For one of the best restaurants in Central London – swing by Lucky Cat – Mayfair in Mayfair
Sleek, dark shades draw diners into Lucky Cat – Mayfair, an Asian eating house and lounge in the heart of Mayfair. Drawing inspiration from Tokyo’s 1930s drinking clubs, this is the perfect spot for an intimate meal or late-night drinks. The open kitchen provides a glimpse into the action as chefs fire up the robata grill or expertly prepare sushi. During the LRF, Lucky Cat’s Set Lunch comes with a complimentary welcome drink. Share starters like crunchy vegetable tempura or beef gyoza with yuzu shichimi. Move on to a hearty rice bowl with teriyaki salmon and black vinegar, and finish off with some smooth chocolate tofu. Another big draw here is the Chef’s Table, which gets you a seat in the kitchen so you can watch the chefs at work and enjoy a truly intimate experience.
For vegan dining at one of the best restaurants in London – visit Mildreds in Soho, Covent Garden, Victoria, Kings Cross, Dalston and Camden
With outposts in Soho, Covent Garden, Victoria, Kings Cross, Dalston and Camden, Mildreds is a London institution known for its vibrant vegan dishes. Each outpost has its own unique vibe, whether it’s colourful portraits and plants in Camden and Victoria or an intimate townhouse in Soho. The in-house development team has worked to create a bold, cutting edge 100% plant-based menu. During the LRF, book the Taste of Mildreds sharing menu and try a little bit of everything. Alternatively, you can always order à la carte. Start with some pickled seasonal vegetables and some salsa macha hummus. Share gyoza filled with house kimchi and crunchy risotto balls with chipotle ketchup. The aromatic lemon pilau is the perfect complement to skewers of chick+n and smoked sweetcorn mole. Pair it all with unique cocktails like the gooseberry elderflower spritz or European wine by the glass, bottle or carafe.
📍 Soho — Check availability
📍 Covent Garden — Check availability
📍 Victoria — Check availability
📍 Kings Cross — Check availability
📍 Dalston — Check availability
📍 Camden — Check availability
For one of the best restaurants in Soho – head to Old Compton Brasserie
Rustic brick walls and round leather booths create an air of laid-back intimacy at Old Compton Brasserie. Designed with the neighbourhood’s creative community, Old Compton invites you to drink, dine and relax as you soak up the best Soho has to offer. During the London Restaurant Festival, book the 3-course seasonal set menu with a glass of prosecco for £28 per person. You might try juicy roast pork belly with nduja jam or marinated cured salmon with horseradish cream. The tempura courgette flower with kalamata olives is a great plant-based option and the tender sirloin steak frites will satisfy any meat lover. Finish off with a decadent Belgian chocolate truffle cake with passion fruit syrup or some British cheeses with crackers and plum chutney.
For one of the best London Restaurant Festival menus – book your spot at Kahani in Chelsea
Kahani is an Indian restaurant run by MICHELIN-star chef Peter Joseph, who grew up in southern India. Kahani is all about eating, celebrating and telling stories together. Keep an eye out for the brick-walled exterior and step into a relaxed dining space with velvet chairs, warm lights and intricate wallpaper. With an exclusive four-course set menu for the London Restaurant Festival, this hotspot is a must-visit this October. The kitchen serves up contemporary Indian dishes made with seasonal British ingredients, with a particular focus on the smokey flavours of the robata grill. Try small plates of kumquat salad with plum and granny smith apple or grilled scallops with Andhra spices. Move onto classic tandoori chicken or a bowl of Hydrabadi biryani with lamb, prawn or vegetables. Vegan and vegetarian menus make this a perfect spot for large groups.
For one of the best tasting menus in London – try The Pem in Westminster
Chef Sally Abé heads up the team at The Pem, in the bustling heart of Westminster. The menu focuses on historic British dishes and flavours, made with innovative techniques for a contemporary twist. The lush pink and red dining space invites you to relax over glasses of boutique wine and dishes packed with seasonal flavours. During the London Restaurant Festival, try the Taste of The Pem, a six-course tasting menu. Featuring old favourites and some brand-new creations, it’s the best way to get the full The Pem experience. Think tomato consommé with wild Scottish cherries or English sweetcorn with Orkney scallops. Charred aubergine caviar with raw courgette showcases The Pem’s creativity and the Tamworth Pork with hazelnut and truffle is always a crowd-pleaser.
For one of the best rooftop restaurants in London – check out Kitty Hawk in Covent Garden
Take flight at Kitty Hawk, on the rooftop of the West End’s Page 8 Hotel. Grab a seat in the spacious, warmly lit restaurant with orange couches along the walls and green chairs surrounding tables in the centre. Or, head out onto the terrace and take in sweeping views of the city. Newly opened, the London Restaurant Festival is the perfect time to book and be one of the first to enjoy its chic atmosphere and seasonal à la carte menu. Perhaps start with some Isle of Wight tomatoes served with stracciatella cheese and black olives. Or, go for the delicate yellowfin tuna carpaccio with wasabi. For your main dish, consider the roast heritage summer squash for a plant-based option, or go for the fish and chips with crispy battered Newlyn Bay hake and triple-cooked chips. Desserts include a selection of creamy ice cream and sorbet and a classic sticky toffee pudding.
For one of the best restaurants in London for Spanish dishes – visit Bibo by Dani Garcia at the Virgin Hotels London in Shoreditch
You won’t find anything like Bibo by Dani Garcia at the Virgin Hotels London, anywhere else in London. The vibrant dining space with swimming fish hanging from the ceiling speaks to the playful, creative atmosphere at this Shoreditch hotspot. Chef Dani García has crafted a menu featuring Andalusian ingredients and a dynamic approach to cooking. This LRF, book the Best of Dani Garcia x London Restaurant Festival experience and enjoy some of Dani García’s signature creations. Think crispy jamon croquetas and a broccolini and kale salad to start. For your main choose between a chicken, seafood and vegetarian paella to share. Finally, finish off with a creamy basque cheesecake or a rice pudding.
With exclusive menus and special offers, the London Restaurant Festival showcases the best of London’s culinary scene. From express lunches to leisurely lounges, these restaurants have something for everyone. From classic British dishes to French Bistro cooking, Indian favourites to tapas share plates, it’s easy to find something to please a crowd.
The LRF is always popular – book the best London Restaurant Festival hotspots on OpenTable today.
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